Grammar IV

The subjunctive mood expresses wishes, conditions contrary to fact, and requests and commands.

The Mandative Subjunctive is used in a that-clause after an expression of such notions as demand, recommendation, proposal, intention (e.g: We insist, prefer, request; It is necessary, desirable, imperative; The decision, requirement, resolution).This use is more characteristic of AmE that BrE, but seems to be increasing in BrE.

The employees demanded that he resign (AmE-subjunctive)The employees demanded that he should resign (BrE-putative should)The employees demanded that he resigns (BrE-indicative)

The formulaic subjunctive is used in certain set expressions

God save the QueenLong live the kingCome what may,...Heaven forbid that...Be that as it may,...Suffice it to say that,...

The Past Subjunctive is hypothetical in meaning. It is used in conditional and concessive clauses and in subordinate clauses after wish and suppose.

If I were a rich man, I would...I wish the journey were over.Just suppose everybody were to act like you.

It's time/ It's high timeThese are followed by past simple or continuous, though the time referred to is unreal.

Notice the past verb form after wish.These are wishes where you want to change a present/future state.

Would is used when the speaker wants somebody or something else to change.The use with would is often use to describe an annoying habit.

As with present wishes the verb form after wish is one stage further back in the past. These are wishes referring to a past event, which cannot be changed.This use of wish is common after if only to express regrets.

Wishes about simple future events are expressed with hope.

I'd rather is followed by past verb forms in the same way as wishes about the present. It expresses preferences about actions.Both I'd rather and I'd sooner are used with normal verb forms when comparing nouns or phrases.I'd prefer can be used in the same way, but note that prefer in this type of sentence has an object itHowever, I'd prefer is not followed by an unreal verb form in other situations.

The verb forme here depends on whether the situation is true or unreal.Note however, that the more colloquial like does not require this verb form change. Compare

Understood conditionsThe conditional part of these sentences is often understood but not stated.As with conditional sentences, if the event referred to is real possibility, rather than imaginary, a present verb form is possible.

A collocation is a combination of two or more words which frequently occur together.

ExampleThe prisoner was hanged for committing murder.I always try to do my homework in the morning, after making my bed.He has been asked to give a presentation about his work.

ExampleThe lion started to roar when it heard the dog barking.Snow was falling as our plane took off.The bomb went off when he started the car engine.

ExampleLet's give Mr Jones a round of applause.The ceasefire agreement came into effect at 11am.I'd like to buy two bars of soap please.

ExamplesThe doctor ordered him to take regular exercise.The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage.He was writhing on the ground in excruciating pain.

ExamplesInvading that country was an utterly stupid thing to do.We entered a richly decorated room.Are you fully aware of the implications of your action?

ExampleWe had to return home because we had run out of money.At first her eyes filled with horror, and then she burst into tears.Their behaviour was enough to drive anybody to crime.

ExampleShe placed her keys gently on the table and sat down.Mary whispered softly in John's ear.I vaguely remember that it was growing dark when we left.

Example:Olga has a new car.Olga and John go everywhere in their new car.

Does not indicate tense

Example:To buy a new car, Olga needs a bank loan.

Example: Worried by the cost of petrol, she has bought a smaller car.

Example:Being very proud of her new car, she washes it every single day.

Non-finite and verbless clauses have generally been treated as phrases in traditional grammar

Example: Singing is easy.

A non-finite clause is a subordinate clause that has only a non-finite verb, in it.

Example:I only wanted to help you.

Example:All I did was break her window.

Example: Sailing round the world, Nancy visited many fascinating and exotic places.

Example: By sailing round the world on her own, she showed incredible courage.

A verbless clause is a subordinate clause that has no verb in it at all.Example:Though still in our shirt sleeves, we set to work.

A non-finite or verbless clause can be expanded into a full clause with a finite verb

While running for the bus, I slipped on the ice and fell.While I was running for the bus, I slipped on the ice and fell.